Monthly Archives: April 2014

The princess pattern collection was hanging over my head unfinished for more time than I like to remember and work has been especially busy as we scramble to get everything finished in the 6 weeks or so that are left, so it’s been kind of stressful both at home and at work lately. I had the day off today, and spent it creating this outfit, which came together beautifully without a hitch! How often does that happen? Then, the weather cooperated, being in the 60s with no wind and lots of sun, so I was able to get out and take loads of photos of the new outfit. It was inspired by this petite Blythe one

(should you want to buy her/see more pictures, search the web for “Suri petite Blythe”)

I used the European Folk Costumes pattern blouse copied at 77% which fit my Hearts for Hearts doll perfectly (yay!) and did something I haven’t been able to do before because my embroidery hoop wasn’t big enough…an in-the-hoop vest! Want to make one too? Download the .pes file free here.

How to do it: Layer stabilizer and muslin in your hoop. The manufacturer of your machine probably told you in the manual never to pin things into your hoop, so I won’t tell you to pin your felt onto the stabilizer+muslin already in it either, because you risk broken needles/machine damage. I pinned mine at the very outer edges of the hoop, but you could also use double sided tape or basting glue or something. Stitch out the design, tear away the stabilizer and trim around with pinking shears. Sew shoulder seams and trim excess. Steam lightly into shape with your iron. If you want, you could make a laced-up-the-front version by sewing hooks or eyes along the front and then lacing through them.

Jasmine is west of the Mississippi. She’s pictured below dressed for the 40th anniversary of an annual event that just happened in March. First 3 people to guess exactly where she is (specifically the building she’s in!) win the new pattern collection available here! Post your answer here: https://www.facebook.com/wrenfeathers

So, a Carpatina Julia joined our doll family recently and demanded to be dressed like a princess. With my love of other cultures and their clothing, the one or two European princess dresses I was going to make expanded into a collection of 6! And then the AGs got jealous and it just spiraled out of control. 🙂

The collection “officially” comprises: Medieval England, Renaissance Italy, Ming Dynasty China, Ancient Egypt, Medieval Persia, and a modern sort-of Princess…the Jingle Dancer Powwow princess pictured above! But lots of the patterns could be used for other things too. With a bit of imagination, the Egyptian one could turn into a Balinese dancer, the Chinese one could turn into a Korean Jeogori and you could probably even shorten the medieval English dress and turn it into a modern Irish dance dress or even something from the 1940s.

Carpatina Julia in a “tomboy” version of this princess “dress” using just the bodice with leggings.

A girl for all time Clementine as “Lady of the Lake” – Medieval Celtic Princess

Carpatina Julia in an Italian Renaissance gown

My AG “Violet” as an Egyptian princess

Magic Attic Rose as a medieval Persian Princess

Pattern also includes a Powwow Princess jingle dress and Ming dynasty Princess. See more here